England fast bowler Josh Tongue has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Trent Bridge through to no later than the end of the 2029 season. The 28-year-old, who joined the reigning County Championship holders from Worcestershire in 2024, has already made a significant impact, taking 33 wickets in seven first-class outings at an impressive average of 22.87. His displays proved crucial to Nottinghamshire’s maiden title triumph since 2010, with Tongue claiming 31 wickets in six matches last summer, including three five-wicket hauls. The deal represents a show of faith in a bowler who has also established himself as a important part of the England Test squad.
England star renews Trent Bridge contract
Tongue voiced his enthusiasm at extending his association with Nottinghamshire, highlighting his individual progress since joining the club. “I love playing here and I feel my game has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” the pace bowler stated. His dedication to Nottinghamshire reflects the upward path of his career, with the bowler eager to develop the foundations laid during his breakthrough season. The new deal signals shared belief between player and club as they aim to preserve their position among English cricket’s elite.
Head coach Peter Moores welcomed the contract renewal, highlighting Tongue’s value to the squad both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “It’s a real boost to have current international players at the club as it consistently reinforces everyone the opportunities that our game has to offer,” Moores said. The coach commended Tongue’s influence throughout Nottinghamshire’s Championship-winning campaign, noting that his standard in the bowling attack provides confidence for seasons ahead. The keeping of an experienced England cricketer reinforces the club’s ambitions to challenge for silverware whilst developing talent for the national team.
Remarkable track record following 2024 move
Since joining Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire two years ago, Tongue has become recognised as one of the county’s leading pace bowlers. His statistics tell a striking story of consistent excellence, with 33 wickets taken across seven top-tier games at an average of 22.87. The England international has seamlessly integrated into the Trent Bridge setup, demonstrating the bowling skill and psychological strength required to succeed at the highest level of domestic cricket. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with selectors acknowledging his credentials as a vital component of England’s Test bowling attack.
- 33 wickets in 7 first-class matches since 2024 arrival
- Average of 22.87 showcases consistency and skill with the ball
- Already a 9-cap England Test international with 49 dismissals
- Key contributor to Nottinghamshire’s 2025 County Championship crown
Championship-clinching campaign
Tongue’s inaugural campaign at Nottinghamshire proved transformative for both player and club. Playing in six red-ball matches in the early stages of last summer, he took an remarkable 31 wickets whilst Nottinghamshire claimed their first County Championship title since 2010. His tally included three five-wicket hauls, demonstrating his ability to deliver match-winning performances when the pressure is greatest. These contributions proved instrumental in ending the club’s fifteen-year wait for championship success, cementing Tongue as a pillar of their bowling unit.
This season has witnessed Tongue continue where he left off, though he has featured in just one match thus far. In Nottinghamshire’s emphatic 192-run win over Glamorgan, he took two wickets, further underlining his importance to the reigning champions’ ambitions. The bowler’s ability to perform consistently at the top domestic level, whilst concurrently maintaining his England credentials, makes him an indispensable asset to Peter Moores’ squad as they seek to retain their championship status.
International success and Ashes heroics
Tongue’s emergence on the world stage has been exceptionally rapid. Upon making his Test debut versus Ireland at Lord’s in 2023, the fast bowler has already cemented his place as a cornerstone of England’s bowling attack. His tally of 49 wickets from nine Tests showcases a level of consistency that undermines his relative inexperience at the highest level. The 28-year-old’s move from county cricket to the Test stage has been effortless, showcasing the technical refinement and mental strength required to compete against the world’s elite batsmen across multiple formats and conditions.
The true gauge of Tongue’s quality came during England’s Ashes tour to Australia the previous winter, where he emerged as one of the standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign. Capturing 18 wickets across his three appearances, Tongue was pivotal in England’s sole victory of the series, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut Test five-wicket haul in that match exemplified his ability to perform under intense pressure, producing the kind of match-decisive bowling displays that England sorely needed during their 4-1 series defeat.
| Competition | Performance |
|---|---|
| Test debut (Ireland, 2023) | Established international credentials |
| Ashes series (Australia, 2025-26) | 18 wickets in three matches, including maiden five-wicket haul |
| Boxing Day Test (MCG) | First five-wicket haul; England’s only series victory |
| Career record (nine Tests) | 49 wickets at international level |
Moores endorses long-range strategy
Head coach Peter Moores has expressed his enthusiasm for Tongue’s commitment, acknowledging the value of keeping a current international player within the squad. Moores emphasised that having England Test cricketers on the county circuit offers tangible benefits to the wider squad, giving younger talents the opportunity to learn from and test themselves against elite performers. The coach’s comments underscore Nottinghamshire’s tactical plan to sustaining their title-winning position, with Tongue’s presence functioning as both a valuable resource and an inspirational figurehead for the club’s bowling department.
The extended three-year deal demonstrates a considerable show of faith from both parties, establishing Tongue’s role as a cornerstone of Nottinghamshire’s forthcoming strategy. With the pace bowler showcasing his ability to balance international obligations with county responsibilities, the club can confidently build their bowling approach around his presence and proven match-winning capability. Moores’ backing indicates that Nottinghamshire intend to challenge for additional silverware, with Tongue’s quality and experience integral to those objectives during what promises to be a pivotal period for the reigning champions.
- Moores emphasises the value of overseas talent elevating squad standards and development opportunities
- Tongue’s influence on the previous season’s Championship victory demonstrates measurable playing-field contributions to success
- Three-year deal signals shared dedication to continued high performance and future silverware aspirations